Traveler's Notebook musings with a cup of tea.

October 2013 Favorites

Another month of favorites and this month is all about the changing of the season.

My skincare routine is now switching to thicker creams and oils, which my skin is drinking up as the temperature drops in Wisconsin. Ever since I started using coconut oil – Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – to remove makeup, it’s become my favorite thing to do in my nightly skincare routine. It’s soothing, it takes everything off and it moisturizes my skin all at the same time.

I am currently using Acure’s Argan Oil for daytime, which I purchased from a local co-op. I’m not fond of the scent on this one, but the oil does the trick to counter dryer weather.

In the past two months, I’ve been trying out a couple of DIY toners. Not only is it cost effective, you can also tailor the formula to your skin type. So far, I’m enjoying my current formula, which has a base of green tea, mixed with apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and lavender oil. (Stay tuned for a blog post on my recipe!) Here, I’ve reused an old C.O. Bigelow toner bottle. The homemade toner works on my oily skin and it’s gentle and soothing. It’s alcohol free and it costs practically nothing!

I’m making a conscious effort to use less makeup remover wipes, since it creates so much waste. But lately, we’ve been catching double features at the only drive–in movie theatre in the area, which means we’re getting home really late, sometimes midnight. Since the drive-in is an hour away, I’ve taken to removing my makeup in between the two movies. In my travel kit, I’ve been using Yes to Baby Carrots Face and Nose Wipes. I got them from the baby section at Target. It’s 100% natural and takes everything off.

I’m revisiting C.O. Bigelow’s Rose Salve. I always go back to this and I’ve been applying it at night and waking up with super smooth and soft lips. I love the smell, the consistency and the cute little tin it comes in.

For makeup, I’ve gone back to Clinique’s 110 Plum Seduction eye palette, which is what I used for my wedding day over a year ago. I love that the purples can smoke it up for a daytime fall look. I’ve transitioned to a muskier perfume, spritzing on Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle. It’s sophisticated, chic and somewhat mysterious.

For hair, I know I’ve mentioned I’m sticking with all natural products. But I haven’t quite found a conditioner that’s moisturizing enough to prevent hair breakage while washing. I’ve always wanted to try L’oreal’s EverStrong line, sulfate-free, hydrating and it comes in Rosemary Mint! It’s not too heavy for my thick hair.

For non-beauty favorites, I’ve been warming myself up with tea. I’ve found Target and local Woodman’s have started selling Harney & Sons tea in pretty tins. I picked up the Holiday blend, which is black tea mixed with subtle spices. I drink this to not only give myself a wakeup, but to get me excited for my favorite holiday – Christmas. In the late afternoons and evenings, when I want caffeine-free, I go to Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile with Lavender. Calming and mild, perfect for nighttime.

Finally, letter writing! I recently posted a photo on Instagram of a letter I was sending to an old friend and suddenly found myself with pen pals! I’ve so far received a couple in the mail and it just brightens my day that someone wrote me. I’ve started storing my letters in a vintage drawer we picked up at a flea market. Might as well display the pretty post!